Mineral Classification Flashcards
(35 cards)
What are the main bases for mineral classification?
Physical properties, chemical properties, chemical composition, internal crystal structure
Which two parameters are most important for mineral classification?
Chemical composition, internal crystal structure
Name the classification schemes proposed for minerals.
- Physical classification scheme
- Hybrid (physical-chemical) classification scheme
- Chemical classification scheme
- Hybrid (chemical-structural) classification scheme
- Structural classification scheme
Who is considered the ‘Father of Mineralogy’?
Georgius Agricola
What is the title of Georgius Agricola’s best-known work?
Agricola’s De re metallica
What was the initial basis for mineral classification?
Physical properties
What classification was proposed in the early 19th century that combined physical and chemical properties?
Hybrid classification of minerals
Who developed the basics of the modern classification system used today?
Jöns Berzelius
When was the first classification based on chemical composition proposed?
1824
In the Berzelian system, minerals are categorized based on what?
The main anion group present in their chemical structure
List the main mineral classes in the Berzelian system.
- Native elements
- Sulfides and sulfosalts
- Oxides and hydroxides
- Halides
- Carbonates, nitrates, and borates
- Sulfates
- Phosphates
- Silicates
What is the most commonly used classification system for minerals?
Dana system
How many main mineral groups are there in the Dana classification system?
Eight
What are the eight main mineral groups in the Dana system?
- Native elements
- Silicates
- Oxides
- Sulfides
- Sulfates
- Halides
- Carbonates
- Phosphates
What discovery allowed the determination of atomic arrangement in crystalline substances?
X-rays
Who proposed the chemical-structural classification of minerals?
Hugo Strunz
What are the ten groups in the Strunz classification system?
- Elements
- Sulphides and sulphosalts
- Halides
- Oxides
- Carbonates
- Borates
- Sulphates
- Phosphates, arsenates, and vanadates
- Silicates
- Organic compounds
What does the hierarchical order of mineral classification include?
- Class
- Sub-class (Family)
- Group
- Series
- Species
- Varieties
Fill in the blank: The dominant anions and anionic groups present in minerals define the _______.
Class
What is the chemical composition of native elements?
Only one kind of element is present
What defines sulfides in mineral classification?
A metal bonds directly with sulfur as the nonmetal
What minerals are included in the oxide class?
- Hematite
- Magnetite
- Chromite
Sulfate minerals are characterized by which anion?
(SO4)2-
